Taher Al Mohammadany

TAHER SHAMBEEH AL MOHAMMADANY:

CUSTOMS CLEARANCE IS A CORNERSTONE IN INTERNATIONAL TRADE

Shipping and customs clearance agencies are regarded as the right hand of importers and exporters because customs clearance is the final step in the process of exportation, and similarly the last step in importation. Customs clearance is a cornerstone in the growth and flourish of international trade. Despite the fact that any importer or exporter can handle customs clearance by himself without the assistance of a customs broker, however, customs clearance experts would never advise to go down this path. Lack of experience in completing customs clearance may cause delays to a lot of things, and thereby increasing the demurrage and storage fees. So, it is always advisable to contract a professional customs clearance office to complete clearance formalities, reducing any extra costs.

CustomsWindowds magazine met Mr. Taher Shambeeh Al Mohammadany, a customs broker, who has extensive experience in this industry; as his company provides maritime services. He initially talked to us about such particular skills a customs broker needs to acquire, highlighting the skills of good communication, control, leadership, creativity, problem-solving, strong commitment, motivation, hard-working and resilience. He affirmed that together with all of the above, a customs broker should have such strong ethics of dedication and devotion and should be very dynamic. Shambeeh said about challenges they experience at work, “challenges are inevitable in any business. However, these challenges can be confronted with determination and persistence. Some of these challenges may clearly be insufficient experience by staff, which may not get the job done as it should ideally be, and certainly the unavailability of sufficient resources to help us carry on work as intended. He pinpointed work difficulties by the nature of ports, goods and companies, “Yes. The General Authority and the Executive Office for Goods and Materials Subject to Import and Export Control are amongst the most important control and examination authorities before releasing the goods. Internal difficulties: transportation; lack of sufficient land fleet, unjustified increase in transport prices, which would have a negative impact on competitiveness of any product; failure by drivers to comply with rules and regulations; absence of control over those drivers and their employers. External difficulties: such as unqualified ports to receive shipments imported, unpaved or unsafe roads to move the goods, insufficient knowledge of laws in effect in countries to which the products are being exported, or imposition of additional charges by some countries on exported vehicles and containers. About the significance of the customs bro

Relying on an experienced Customs Clearance Agent can reduce costs and quickly ends business, therefore business owner is not advised to do the customs clearance process himself unless he is experienced in that work

ker role for companies and businesses, he said, “ Customs clearance is a fundamental step in international trade (both import and export), and it is basically a set of procedures that a customs broker undertakes to facilitate goods passing through customs zones, then into the country. The broker proceeds with the necessary procedures under authorization from the owner, which gives him the power to submit supporting documents relating to the goods to the relevant customs authorities for approval. The work of a broker does not stop at this point, but continues until the goods leave the customs zone and are delivered to the entity concerned.”

STEPS AND PROCEDURES TO COMPLETE CUSTOMS CLEARANCE:

Customs clearance companies undertake some procedures in relation to release of goods. These procedures do not significantly vary for importation and exportation. However, they are absolutely required and cannot be ruled out in both cases. As customs clearance procedures are initiated, it is very important to contract a customs clearance company in order to use their services and utilize the expertise they have to solve any issues while finalizing the customs release of shipments. This minimizes release time needed and saves a lot of costs. The steps to complete customs clearance can be summarized as follows: - The container liner arrives in the relevant port, and containers are grounded into the terminal. This may take between one to two working days. - The customs broker then approaches the marine agent to collect the Delivery Order (DO). - The broker submits a customs value declaration in accordance with related invoices. - The customs authorities send their representatives to assess and value the goods. - In case the goods require more approvals from other competent authorities, a representative from the customs will collect a sample and send it to the competent authority. - The broker will then pay the applicable customs tax, in addition to any other examination and inspection fees (if any) owed by the competent authority. - The broker contracts an internal transporter, and the shipment is, then, loaded on a truck, passes through the x-ray scanner and leaves the port

BETTER TO KNOW

UAE government prohibits the importation of certain items into the country while some restrictions are imposed on other goods. In this feature, we are about to list some of the control measures currently in place that everyone should be aware of:

MEDICINES AND MEDICAL DRUGS:

Tourists are required to be cautious about medicines they carry from their home countries. Some medicines may contain substances that are banned in the UAE, leading to the arrest of those carrying them. Hence, people should not only carry the doctor’s prescription, but also ensure that the quantity of tablets justify normal use during their scheduled duration of stay. They are also advised to get a certificate from the respective embassies. For bringing bulk quantity of medicines (containing banned substances) to the UAE, prior permission from the Ministry of Health and Prevention is needed. There is zero tolerance for drug-related offences, whether controlled drugs or recreational drugs. Some herbals and natural products; such as tobacco, poppy/opium seeds/powder, betel leaves are controlled items in the UAE, and possession of which is illegal. Some herbal highs are also illegal in the UAE. The penalties for trading, trafficking, smuggling, possessing drugs and presence of drugs in the blood stream even is residual amounts are severe. It must be pointed out that patients can apply for a permission to import medicine for their personal use. According to the website of the Ministry of Health and Prevention, UAE nationals and residents can obtain a permit to import medicine for personal use. The imported medicine should not exceed the personal need of a period of three months for non-controlled medicines and one month for controlled and semi-controlled medicines.